Looking for a 19 2.5" for a working gun.

[S&WsRsweet]

I would agree with the choice of a jframe for pocket carry but a shooter grade k frame maybe have it cerakoted black would work , I personaly
like the 38 special in a DA revolver for most non military or law enforcement situations as a side arm.Like Bam-Bam said carried a lot hopefully never used but an effective self defense tool if you need it spend the extra money on ammo and good instruction from someone who knows how to fight with a DA revolver and practice practice practice .Finding someone who truly knows how to use a DA revolver is getting harder as a lot of the older police officers have retired ect we are losing all that wisdom but I would encourage you to read up on Grant Cunninghams work as it is well written and has valuable useable information on useing and catering for a DA .

 

[SquarePizza]

I've been debating about refinishing my 649 instead of buying a new gun, though some days I switch to a 351PD, which really carries nice and is already black. Downside is her bark. =P

I've also considered buying a glock 42, since they are a little smaller than my 26, and glock gives us a crazy discount.

 

[kthom]

I too love the fixed sighted revolvers for duty/EDC purposes. FWIW, I carried the same Model 19 4" in a Jordan style holster on a Sam Browne belt for a great many years. After getting tired of that square shouldered rear sight blade catching on stuff (door frames, seat belts and buckles, and most of all my sleeve and the skin underneath it), I carefully rounded the square shoulders pretty severely from the sight base to each side of the sight slot in the center of the blade. That was before the days when a dremel tool was a gleam in anyone's eye, but there were grinders of all sizes. I declined the grinders because I didn't wish to remove the rear sight blade to do the work. I carefully secured that revolver in a bench vise (with protection) and then more carefully used a couple of files to dress the corners off the blade. I used cold blue to restore the color to the area where blueing was removed in the process. It gave the gun an interesting look, but the sight worked as intended and was much less obtrusive to things around it. It wasn't as unobtrusive as a fixed sight K frame would have been, but it wasn't bad at all.

Of course, this was done on a working gun that was exposed to a great deal of bumping and grinding, etc in the course of all those years of service. That Model 19 certainly had "character", but it was very well maintained, and it never, ever let me down. Several other of my fellow officers noticed my alteration and performed it on their carry revolvers as well. The modification could be restored by the simple change out of the rear sight blade so no harm, no foul.

I say that if you can find an M-19 2.5" that suits the needs you mention, this modification might be something that could improve the comfort with which you could carry it as you suggest. For me, I never had anywhere near the room in my pockets to carry such a revolver there!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

If you're good with a M649, you should consider a M638. Heck of a lot lighter. Get one with the current J-Magnum frame and modern .38 Spl +P ain't no slouch.

 

[javadog]

What about the new Performance Center Carry Comp?

 

[Old cop]

Another consideration, in .38 +P only, would be a blued Model 10 snub. Mine was my issued service weapon that I purchased from the department when we upgraded to the stainless revolvers.

 

[SquarePizza]

I've kept a few M10 2" guns on my radar. =)